Paulo Reservoir

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Bureau of Land Management camping is available at Paulo Reservoir in Montana. The site offers Bureau of Land Management free camping without showers or toilets. Paulo Reservoir is easily accessible and is a popular area for family fun on the water and largemouth bass fishing. Winter months are cold but picturesque. The nearest national park, Glacier National Park, is located 300 miles west of this BLM site. Yellowstone National Park is approximately 400 miles to the southwest.

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are available to everybody in the United States. These campgrounds are located on properties managed by the federal agency, with a mix of traditional and dispersed camping available. BLM camping includes dispersed and undeveloped camping for no more than 14 consecutive days in a 28-day period. BLM RV camping is available at most sites, with many offering utility hookups.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Skyline Loop Trail

Located 25 miles south of Paulo Reservoir is the Skyline Loop trail. The trail is less than two miles long and climbs just over 100 feet in height to provide stunning views across Fort Peck Lake. The trail is excellent for all skill levels, and a hike can be completed in less than an hour.

Length: 1.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Phipps Park Trail

If you are looking for beautiful scenery, Phipps Park Trail is a good choice. The trail is open year-round, but it can be icy during the winter months. The steep incline at the start of the trail offers excellent mountain biking opportunities, and plenty of birds can be viewed as you navigate the path.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The water at Paulo Reservoir is stocked with largemouth bass that can be fished throughout the year. The boating activities at the site are plentiful and include 12 miles of open water for waterskiing and all types of watercraft.

Climbing

Blodgett Canyon is an impressive climbing location in northern Montana. The region offers several options for sport and traditional climbing, with elevations from 100 to 1,200 feet. The Lolo Pass and Lost Horse areas have become havens for Montana climbers who enjoy a range of climbing options, from scrambling to traditional climbing.

Wildlife Viewing

There are plenty of birds to enjoy close to Paulo Reservoir, with the waterway bringing migrating birds to the Glasgow area. RV drivers spending time camping at the Paulo Reservoir may also see elk, mule deer, and coyotes.

Picnicking

Paulo Reservoir is a popular spot for family activities. The picnicking possibilities are plentiful, with several picnic tables and shelters around the reservoir.

Ice Fishing

After the arrival of winter, the ice pushes across Paulo Reservoir and allows ice fishing to become the main sport. Ice fishing should be undertaken with care because of the air pumped into the reservoir to keep the largemouth bass species alive. Ice can become thin when the water is aerated.

Historic Trails

The historic trail followed by Lewis and Clark runs through this area of Montana and can be followed from Lewis & Clark Bridge. You can follow this trail on foot or by car to Yellowstone National Park.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at Paulo Reservoir welcome RVs, but they do not have all the hookups you can enjoy while RV camping. There are no showers, toilets, or dump stations at Paulo Reservoir. The city of Glasgow,12 miles from Paulo Reservoir, is home to Shady Rest RV Park. West End Tent and Trailer Campground is also nearby and features plenty of space and all the RV hookups you could need.

Free Camping

The Bureau of Land Management free camping options at Paulo Reservoir include traditional and dispersed campgrounds. There are no fees for BLM RV camping at Paulo Reservoir, and the camping areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free dispersed camping is also possible away from the designated Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. To find available camping spots, simply search online for "BLM camping near me."

RV Rentals Near Paulo Reservoir Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Paulo Reservoir BLM trip

The Paulo Reservoir area is close to the city of Glasgow, which is a great spot to get gas and food. However, you will still want to be sure to stock your RV with plenty of water and other essentials for the duration of your trip. Be sure to bring cooking supplies and clothing for all types of weather.

During the winter months, you should be prepared to check the weather often to avoid heavy snowfall. Also, the county road to the reservoir may be impassable when wet. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The Leave No Trace program has been introduced by the Bureau of Land Management at its campgrounds to protect the environment. The federal agency is dedicated to protecting the environment and making sure all waste matter and other debris is removed after camping. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds require all users to dispose of human waste 200 feet from any body of water. Upon leaving Paulo Reservoir, all traces of camping activity, including trash and ashes from a fire, should be properly disposed of.

Paulo Reservoir Location

Setting out from Glasgow, you will drive east for 1.5 miles along 2nd Avenue. Then turn left onto Bentonite Road and travel south for 10 miles. There is a sign for Paulo Reservoir on the left side of the road.

Ready to visit Paulo Reservoir? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.